Instant Pudding with Oat Milk

Instant Pudding with Oat Milk is easy to make, and if you use a dairy free instant pudding, you have a quick dairy free dessert.

Pudding is a beloved dessert, but it’s not dairy free friendly.

You can make dairy free pudding with oat milk from scratch.

However, instant pudding is an incredibly easy dessert for busy moms, college students, and anyone who doesn’t want to bother.

If you have tried to make instant pudding with a dairy free milk, you probably ended up with a pudding drink.

This is because you cannot replace milk with oat milk at a 1-to-1 ratio when making instant pudding.

However, you may still notice instant pudding made with oat milk sets differently and has a slightly different texture and flavor than regular pudding.

The set will be softer, so if you’re using it as part of a dessert, it is only suitable for desserts that are spoonable like parfaits.

You will not find the same success with pudding pies, eclair cakes or striped delight.

If you like this recipe, you may also like instant pudding with almond milk and instant pudding with coconut milk.

History of Pudding

Historically, it is a variation of chocolate custard.

Versions called for egg and flour appear in cookbooks from 1903 and 1918.

Then, general Foods introduced chocolate pudding mix in 1934, and in 1936 they made an instant pudding made with milk.

Modern chocolate puddings don’t call for eggs and are usually thickened with corn starch.

Choosing your Brand

I have tried a handful of oat milk brands and I can tell you, not all oat milks are created equal.

Some brands taste like oats and have the consistency of water. Other brands have a milder taste and are slightly reminiscent of milk. Oatly and Alpro are my two go-to brands.

When I visit New York, I really like Oatly, which I find to taste like regular milk and to be a little extra creamy. I’d assume this is true in Canada too.

In Israel, I only use the barista version of Oatly, which is still more watery than the regular Oatly in the States. I expect it is the same in Europe because that is where it is imported from.

For Israel and Europe, I find the Alpro oat milk indistinguishable from the Oatly Barista. However, the Alpro “Not Milk” oat milk I find to be almost identical to milk but a little sweeter – which I like.

Instant Pudding Vs. Custard

The key difference between instant pudding and custard is that the pudding uses flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent, whereas custard uses eggs.

Is JELL-O Instant Pudding Dairy Free?

Yes, Jello Instant Pudding is Dairy Free. I do recommend checking the packages regularly to make sure nothing changes, though.

Does pudding set with oat milk?

Yes, pudding sets with oat milk, you just need to know the right ratio.

Can you make instant pudding with oat milk?

Yes, just not at a 1-to-1 ratio when making instant pudding.

To substitute oat milk for regular milk in instant pudding, use 3/4 of the amount of milk called for in the instructions.

So, if the instructions call for 2 cups of milk, use 1 1/2 cups of oat milk.

Can I make JELL-O Pudding with oat milk?

Yes, you can make jello pudding with oat milk, but use 1 and 1/4 cups of oat milk.

Will jello pudding set with oat milk?

Jello pudding will set with oat milk as long as you use the right ratios.

For JELL-O Puddings, both instant pudding, use 1 1/4 cup oat milk.